AXONE
Axone's aim is to let the character of the park's environment flow through its arteries, providing the anchor that would be the missing piece in a landscape puzzle. The strong axes that segment the space are not drawn at random: the angles concordant with those of the building are articulated around a desire for structure, where each zone is granted a vocation that complements the next. These interlocking plots are designed to fulfill a number of basic functions: play, relaxation, encounters, sport and a return to the land, all wrapped up in a light, instinctive flora, like a gift to be discovered and enjoyed one passage at a time.
Its composition takes on the same architectural characteristics as its envelope, and takes on the task of telling the story. The story is punctuated by the use of the emblematic red brick as a floor insert, and the use of wood in the form of seats and thresholds, identical to that originally used on the neighbouring bell tower. The sobriety of the site reflects an intention intrinsic to its design: not to distort the landscape's existing appeal, but rather to polish all its jewels. The omnipresence of raw materials, the preservation of a plant spontaneity that seems to obey no structure, and the reinterpretation of architect Dan S. Hanganu's signature gestures are all put forward, firstly through the use of these rudimentary elements to which he gave an important role in his creations, and secondly through the visual uniformity punctually upset by a burst of color. This homage takes on its purest form when the user, challenged by the asymmetrical walls, feels the urgency to discover the secrets they protect. As soon as he crosses them, the variety of edible plants in the vegetable garden is revealed, alongside unique play structures. Guided by the thread of red brick beneath his feet, he lets a wooden structure host his passage, under which he can admire, for a moment, the uneven gush of daylight dancing between its irregular slats. The visitor realizes that this gentle panorama also reveals some real surprises. Touches of yellow, dotting the room to unite it, waltz the visitor's gaze to a certain disarmingly strange angular concrete armchair, whose story the visitor finds himself imagining because of its singularity. Then, determined to find out more, he ventures into the heart of the park, which immediately opens up before his eyes to reveal a vast, untouched space ideal for sporting activities. The surface of the fields to his left curiously evokes the very nature of the course he has just immersed himself in.
Axone is a meeting place for all the worlds that surround it, where pilgrims of all ages and backgrounds come together for a communion in the form of a sensitive experience in which each is invited to appropriate a space intimately linked to its home setting, and which delicately conveys the imperfect and casual essence of its landscape.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Proposal 913UY was selected by the jury with a view to its evolution/refinement in the second stage of the competition, taking into account the comments below.
Quality of the proposal
The idea of axons as vectors and strong axes that structure space is interesting. On the other hand, these axes segment certain spaces too much, to the detriment of the site's fluidity and porosity.
The tribute must be refined. The materials and forms are only faintly reminiscent of Dan Hanganu's architectural work. The team would do well to develop a less literal concept of commemoration to draw out the essence of this materiality and message in a strong gesture. What's more, the commemorative aspect is spread over many elements, and the multitude of furnishings does little to enrich the message. The tribute deserves to be brought together in a more assertive and sensitive vision, focused on one or a few flagship elements at most.
Social quality and identity
The civic entrance and landing meet the needs expressed by the program. The numerous seats on the low wall are ideal for waiting and resting. However, the members of the jury questioned the large presence of concrete, which makes the entrance less welcoming and too "corporate" for this park.
The reading garden as a memorial space and its relationship with the library's reading room were appreciated by the jury (as a third place). However, this garden deserves a greater capacity to be functional and fully appropriated by users.
The segmentation of the park into differentiated areas and uses is not conducive to social dynamics. The jury notes that the distribution of picnic furniture along the long diagonal may seem restrictive in this respect.
The design concept defines existing spaces without adding to or enhancing them. The grassy free-play area is little used.
Formal and landscape quality
The proposal presents many compartmentalized and scattered sub-spaces. The work La porte de l'avenir is not well integrated. Jury members also questioned the presence of several rather generic gates and porticoes, a strategy that also seems less suited to a relatively small site.
The large, mineral concrete surfaces lack user-friendliness.
Functional quality
The organization of the pathways seems to be based more on a desire to segment spaces than on an approach linked to users' movements and desires. In this respect, the jury questioned the positioning of the longest axis, which begins/ends north of the tennis courts, a location of little interest, both in terms of attractions and access. Jury members would also like to hear the team's views on the decision not to integrate a pedestrian walkway running alongside the Elgar Community Centre and swimming pool.
The durability of the materiality of the pine slat furniture and commemorative elements needs to be demonstrated.
Environmental quality and greening
The proposal respects the borough's desire to intervene as little as possible with the soil, existing trees and private land. The jury also highlights the beautiful plant palette proposed. It does, however, suggest that more work be done on the biodiversity of the plants, to complement their ornamental attributes.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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- Presentation Panel
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